Nonsagging upholstery spring bottom



YApril 5, 1938. L GOODMAN NONSAGOING UPHOLSTERY SPRING BOTTOM Filed March 29, 1934 2 Sheet-Sheet 2 FLGVL F1 Gl U 621 INVENTOR Patented Apr. 5, 1,938:l

PATENT OFFICE NONSAGGING UPHOLSTERY SPRING BOTTOM Louis Goodman, Bronx, N. Y.

Application March 29, 1934, Serial No. 717,902

7 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved means for preventing upholstered seats of chairs and other articles of furniture from sagging, and one of its objects is to provide tension, springs for "supporting the burlap sheet which carries the cushion springs, and means carried by the tension springs which engages the under side of the burlap sheet remote from the frame of the chair or hot-her article of furniture, for supporting the bui'- lolap sheet against sagging below the level of the bottom of the frame, without in any way interfering with the ilexibility of the burlap` sheet or the cushion springs arranged upon the burlap n, y sheet.

y frame and a exible band which extends under the burlap sheet and which is carried at one end by the frame and the other end by the spring.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a construction in which a pair of iiexible bands are arranged under the burlap sheet, with the end of one band secured to one side of the frame and the end of the other band secured to the opposite side of the frame, and tension springs attached to the frame above the burlap sheet connected to the other ends of the bands, whereby a spring rocking support will be provided for the spring loaded burlap sheet.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a construction of this type, whereby the tension springs are suspended in place by special l hooks, and are made or provided with adjustable connections.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a ring for securing retaining cords, which compress the cushion springs, so that the cords will have a minimum of wear, and can give under the loads imposed upon the springs, to secure the maximum exibility.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a combined spring bottom construc tion, wherein the spring loaded burlap sheet is supported against sagging by spring suspension means connected with the central area of the burlap sheet, and by additional spring suspension means connected with the attached marginal area of the sheet.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists in certain new and useful constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, clearly described in the following specilication, and fully illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a bottom plan view of one form of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a similar View of another form of the 5 invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of the construction shown in Fig. 2, with the seat removed from the frame.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional View of a construction similar to that shown in Figs. 2 and 3, with certain modifications.

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view, showing a bracket for supporting one of the marginal springs. 15

Fig. 6 is another similar View, illustrating a form of spring suspension, shown in Figs., 9 and 11.

Fig. 7 is a detail vertical sectional view on the line VII-VII of Figure 4, on an enlarged scale, showing one of the cord rings.

Fig. 7A is a sectional view of a modied thrust plate.

Fig. 8 is bottom plan view of another modified construction.

Fig. 9 is another similar View of still another modified construction.

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional View of a modified spring construction.

Fig. 11 is a bottom plan View of still another construction.

Fig. 12 is a detail perspective of a modified thrust member.

Fig. 13 is a detail plan View of the central thrust disc and connecting flexible straps shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a similar detail bottom plan view of one of the thrust discs shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 15 is a detail view in sectional perspective of a modified spring bracket and adjustable connection.

Fig. 16 is a detail view in perspective of a cushion spring hook support.

Fig. 1,7 is a detail view in section of a modified spring supporting hook.

Many attempts have been made in the past to provide an economical means for preventing the upholstered seats of chairs and sofas from sagging, but either the devices were too expensive to install, or developed disadvantages in use. The frames which are used in upholstered chairs and sofas are different in size and shape, and the springs used are found not to give the required flexibility, to the cushioning support, or to pro- CFI vide the required adaptability for the diierent sizes of frames.

The supporting action that is required for a particular chair or sofa differs somewhat, according to the weight of the user. If the user is very heavy or very light, the chair spring set should be fitted accordingly. As the spring set ages it has a tendency to lose some of its original resiliency, and it is not easy to adjust the standard spring `set so that the required spring cushioning action is obtained.

The flexibility which is desired prohibits the use of stiff members under the burlap sheet which are certain to be distorted from their original shape or form and permanently to sag below the level of the bottom of the frame, while the loss of the required flexibility necessarily modites the original cushioning action developed into the particular chair or sofa construction.

The present invention embodies a progressive attempt to master these probl-ems and provide a spring set and means for mounting the same, which will permit of adjustments to adapt the construction to various sizes of frame, which can be adjusted to provide a cushioning action to t the user, and which will sustain the burlap sheet against sagging, without sacrificing the flexibility or resilience of the upholstered seat.

Referring to Fig. l, 5 designates a frame, which includes the side frame members 5a., 5b, 5c, and 5d. To the frame 5 the edges of the burlap or bottom fabric sheet 6 are connected, each side of this sheet being attached to one of the side frame members. A series of cushion springs I, as shown in Figure 3 is arranged over the fabric sheet 6, under the top fabric sheet 8, the, marginal edges of which are connected to the sides of the frame 5, as shown in Fig. 4. The springs are retained under limited compression by means of rings 9, each of which is attached to the frame by means of the strap 9a, shown in detail in 7, and the restraining cords II), which are threaded through the upper ends of the spring coils and then directed downwardly through the rings Q. These rings freely hinge on their connecting straps ila, soas to provide yieldable, smooth and easy riding guides for the cords which hold the springs under a certain amount of permanent compression, whereby the cords will not be cut by the action of the guides, and the entire spring assembly will be flexible, comfortable and durable.

The central area of the bottom fabric sheet is engaged by the thrust disc or member II, which is formed with spaced edge slots through which the flexible straps I2, I3, It, and I5 are extended. The strap l2 is formed with a loop I2a, so that it will not separate from the disc, and is extended at I2 through an opening or slot formed in the burlap sheet. The strap I3 is formed with a loop 13a, for a similar purpose and is extended through the slot I3 formed in the sheet 6. The strap I d is formed with a loop Ita for a similar purpose, and is extended at I4' through a slot in the sheet 6. The strap I5 is formed with a loop I5a for a like purpose, and is extended through the slot i5' formed in the sheet 6.

The upper end of the flexible strap or band I2 is connected to the lower end of the expansion coil spring I 6, indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and in full lines in a slightly modified construction in Fig. 4; the upper end of the strap or band I3 is connected to the expansion coil spring Ill; the upper end of the strap or band I4 is connected to the expansion coil spring I8, and

the upper end of the strap or band I5 is connected to the expansion coil spring I 9. The upper ends of all of these coil springs are supported on the sides of the frame, so that the springs depend at angles therefrom, under the pull of the load imposed on the central thrust disc. The combined pulls of the expansion coil springs I6, I'l, I8, and. I9, are sulcient to maintain the central and major area of the sheet 6 normally elevated above the bottom of the frame. The upper ends of the expansion coil springs are supported on the inset flanges of the bracket plates 2l, which are attached to the sides of the frame.

As shown in the slightly modied construction of Fig. 4, the bands I2 and I4 may be equipped with means for adjusting or taking up the tensional pull exerted by the expansion coil springs which support the same on the frame. The band or strap I2 may be connected to the turnbuckle 33, through the lower rod 32 thereof, While the upper rod 34 is directly connected to the lower end of the spring I6. The band or strap I4 may be similarly connected to the turnbuckle 33', by its lower rod 32', while the upper rod 34 may be directly connected to the spring I8. By adjusting the turnbuckles the pull of the expansion springs I6 and I8 upon the central thrust disc may be varied in mounting the combined spring bottom construction.

The thrust disc may be formed or provided with upstanding lugs 29, with which the lower end of the supporting bands or straps are connected, as shown in Fig. 4. The upper side of the thrust disc is provided with a layer of felt I Ia, or similar material so that the metal thrust disc will not be in direct metallic contact with the bottom face of the burlap sheet 6, and the latter will not be subjected to a destructive corrosive action.

The marginal outer edges of the burlap sheet are sustained or elevated above the bottom level of the frame by means of a series of thrust plates 2I, which may be arranged in any suitable multiple or single order along the sides of the frame. Each thrust plate is connected to the expansion coil spring 22 (see Fig. 4), the upper end of which is supported by the hook 22a from the frame. These spring supported thrust plates or members support the marginal areas of the burlap sheet above the bottom level of the frame, so that the effect of the strain imposed by the weight of a person will be eectively neutralized and the tendency of the burlap sheet to break loose from its connection with the frame, will be largely if not entirely eliminated.

A thrust plate 29a, shown in Fig. 5, may be used as an additional resilient means for supporting the spring loaded bottom or burlap sheet 6 against sagging.

'Ihis plate is formed with a struck-out lug, 29h, which extends through a slot or opening formed in the burlap sheet. This lug is connected to the lower end of the expansion coil spring 29e, the upper end of which is formed with a terminal hook, which is connected to the angular slot 29) of the bracket plate 29d, which is attached to the frame 50a.. This construction enables the workman to connect the expansion spring in place by merely dropping the spring hook into the slot of the bracket.

In Figs. 2 and 3 I show a modified form of the invention, wherein the frame 39 is provided with the burlap sheet 40, suitably connected thereto at its outer edges. The cushion springs 'I areA arranged over the burlap sheet 40, and are restrained by the cords Ill, which are threaded through the guides 9, as in the construction shown in Fig. 4. The central area of the burlap sheet 453 is engaged by the thrust discs 4|a and Lilli, which are spaced apart from each other. These discsare protected on their upper sides with felt, not shown. The disc 41a is connected to the loops la and 44h of the flexible straps 43 and 44. The strap i3 is supported on the frame 39 by means of the expansion coil spring 46, while the strap 44 is supported on the frame by means of the expansion coil spring 45.

The disc Hb is connected to the loops 41a and li811 of the flexible straps or bands 41 and 48, which are supported on the frame by the expansion coil springs 41h and 48h. The marginal areas of. the burlap sheet are supported by the expansion coil springs 49, which engage thrust plates 45a, bearing against the bottom side or face of the fabric sheet.

This construction permits of the use of the standard group of three rows of three coil cushion springs, as the thrust plates or members can be located between adjacent springs, and the maximum exibility and resiliency can be obtained.

In Fig. 8 I show a modied form, of the invent-ion, wherein the thrust discs or plates 4I and d2 are similarly supported by flexible straps 43, 44, 41, and 48 which extend toward and are connected to the frame 39 above the burlap sheet 4t. This modication differs from the construction of Fig. 2 in that the thrust plates 4I and l2 are oblong with straight sides.

In Fig. 9 I show another construction, which includes the frame 50, and the burlap sheet Flexible straps 52 and 53 are arranged in parallel relation under the burlap sheet. The forward ends of these straps are formed with a series of holes 54, whereby they may be adjustably connected to the frame. The rear end of the flexible strap 52 is connected to the thrust plate or disc 55, which is supported by the coil spring 5E, as shown in Fig. 6, and for this purpose the disc 55 is formed with an upstanding lug 55a with which the lower end of the spring is connected. The end of the strap 52 is looped through the disc. The upper end of the spring 5S is connected to the angular struck-out lug 56h, which is formed on the bracket plate 56a, which is attached by its saddle 56e to the frame 50. The strap or band 53 is similarly connected to the disc 51, which is similarly supported by an expansion coil spring, not shown, according to the showing of Fig. 6. The two thrust plates or members are located adjacent the rear or back of the frame, to carry the weight of the body of. a person seated on the bottom. The greater part of the weight goes upon the rear springs and the thrust plates are located under these springs, or under the rear portion of the burlap sheet which carries these springs. In this construction the bands extend under and against the burlap sheet, and are maintained elevated by the tensional pull of the springs which support the thrust plates 55 and 51, so that the whole central area of the burlap sheet is supported above the bottom level of the frame. The marginal area of the burlap sheet is supported by marginal thrust plates and springs from the sides of the frame.

In Fig. I show another modied form of. the invention, wherein the burlap sheet 60 is attached to the sides of the frame 6l. The central portion of the burlap sheet, which is loaded with the usual cushion springs, is supported by the flexible bands 62 and 63, from the expansion coil springs 64 and 65, which are mounted on the sides of the frame. In this case the lower ends of the bands 62 and 63 are connected to a thrust plate 62a which extends for a considerable distance on the opposite sides of the median line of the burlap sheet, while the bands extend above the sheet toward the sides of the frame.

In Fig. 11 I show still another form of the invention, wherein the frame 66 is provided with the burlap sheet 61. A series of exible bands 68, S9, 1li, and 1| are arranged under this sheet. The band 68 is attached at one end only to the rear side of the frame, and is formed with a series of holes for this purpose. The opposite end of the band is equipped or connected to the thrust disc 68a, which engages the underside of the burlap sheet. The band 69 is attached at its forward end to the frame, and is connected at its rear end to the disc 69a, which engages the bottom side of the sheet 61. The band 1l) is attached at its forward end to the frame, and ex tends under the burlap sheet and connects to the disc 10a at its rear end, which also engages the underside of. the sheet 61. The band 1| is attached at its rear end to the frame, and is connected at its forward end to the disc 1Ia, which engages the underside of the sheet 61.

The exible straps are preferably arranged in parallel spaced relation, and thus provide exible, non-binding, supports for the burlap sheet, which is loaded with the usual spring cushions. The thrust discs 68a, 69a, 10a, and 11a, are connected to the expansion springs, in the manner shown in Fig. 6. This construction also insures the burlap sheet being supported above the bottom level of the frame, against sagging. It provides a rocking-chair action of the spring bottom.

The marginal area of the burlap sheet is supported by side springs and thrust plates, from the frame, in the manner shown in Fig. 4.

In Fig. 12 I show a thrust member 2Ia, consisting of a wire formed with an intermediate eye, to which the lower end of the coil spring 22a is hooked, this eye being designed to project through the burlap sheet.

In Fig. I show another form of bracket for supporting the expansion spring 2c, this bracket including a straddle plate 2a, having a struck out lug 2b, to which the spring is connected. The bracket saddles the frame 5e, to which the burlap sheet 6a is connected. The lower end of the spring is connected to the upper rod 2d, on which the turnbuckle 2e is arranged, to effect relative adjustment with the rod 2f.

In Fig. 16 I show a hook 12, having an eye 13 for supporting the lower end of the cushion coil spring. This hook is attached to the side of the frame, by a fastener driven through the eye. In Fig. 17 I show another form of the spring hook 14, having an angular prong 15, which is driven directly into the frame.

In each construction the burlap or bottom protecting sheet of burlap is provided with one or more Ventilating devices 16, which may be located in any suitable position thereon.

In the form of construction shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, the exible bands extend only partly under the spring loaded burlap sheet. In these constructions the flexible bands are under tension, and do not interfere with the flexibility of the spring loaded burlap sheet. When these bands, which extend outwardly and .upwardly from the thrust plates or members are equipped with tension adjusting devices, or turnbuckles,

the tension of the supporting coil springs may be varied at will. This form of construction provides great resiliency, without offering any binding effect or influence on the burlap sheet.

In the form of construction shown in Figs. 9 and ll, the flexible bands are located under the burlap sheets, but due to the fact that the bands are connected at one end each only to the frame, and are supported at each other end by a tension spring, great flexibility and resiliency is obtained.

In both forms of construction there is no stiff element or device under the burlap sheet which will be permanently deformed, so as to maintain a sagged condition after short initial use. The flexible bands in all cases have a sliding action against the burlap sheet, or relative to the same, so that no interference with the cushioning action of the springs results.

'I'he marginal thrust plates and their tension springs provide additional resiliency and also tend to prevent the body of the burlap sheet and the cushion springs thereon, from sagging below the bottom level of the frame.

When the weight of a person sitting upon the improved spring bottom depresses the cushion springs, the burlap sheet is placed under tension, and this tension tends to extend the springs which support the outer or marginal thrust plates. The weight of the person is therefore absorbed by all of the tension springs, and not concentrated entirely on the springs which support the ilexible bands and the central thrust plates or members.

In the construction shown in Fig. 9, the thrust plates or members are located near the rear of the spring bottom, so that the zone of greatest loading provides also the greatest resiliency and yielding. The forward ends of the flexible bands k are attached directly to the frame and positively prevent sagging adjacent to the front of the frame, while the spring supported rear thrust plates or members give somewhat to near the bottom level of the frame, they effectively prevent sagging by excessive yielding at the rear of the frame.

In the construction shown in Fig. 1l this function is carried out in reverse order, so that two of the flexible bands are secured to the front of the frame, and two of the bands are secured to the rear end of the frame, while the unsecured ends of the bands are allowed to yield under the stretch or tension of the springs which support the same.

The ventilated burlap sheet in all constructions will have a soft yielding action, and the cushion or load carrying coil springs will be restored to their original condition, when the weight of the person is removed from the spring bottom.

The outer end of each exible band may be formed with a series of holes so that the workman may adjustably connect the band to the supporting spring.

The thin flexible metal bands assume or conform to the shape or form of the fabric sheet, which varies under different loading and changes with use. If this sheet is distorted the bands follow the form of the distortion, and when the distortion of the sheet is removed the bands resume their normal shape. This function develops because the bands are thin and cannot, because of their extreme pliability or flexibility become stiff or rigid. I am aware that rods have been used under the fabric bottom sheets of spring bottoms, but I have found that such rods remain deformed or distorted when once bent or distorted, and thus act to produce or maintain sagging of the bottom sheet of the spring bottom. By the use of thrust plates on the ends of the flexible metal bands, a loosely jointed coupling is provided under the fabric sheet, which aids in this form fitting action of the metal bands.

I claim as new:

l. The combination with a frame comprising side bars connected to each other, a flexible fabric sheet attached to the lower side of the frame to bridge the space bounded by the side bars, a series of coil springs vertically arranged on the fabric sheet in spaced relation to the side bars, a cushioned seat disposed against the Lipper ends of the springs, means securing the ends of the springs to the ilexible sheet and the seat, a thrust member disposed against the lower side of the fabric sheet, flexible tension straps connected to said thrust member and extending through the sheetY upwardly in opposite directions to the frame, means including tension springs connecting the upper ends of the straps to the side bars of the frame, whereby tension pulls are maintained under the sheet to hold the springs ele- Vated so that their lower ends will not sag below the bottom level of the frame.

2. The combination with an open frame providing side bars, a ilexible fabric sheet connected to the lower side of the frame to bridge the space bounded by the side bars, coil springs arranged on the sheet and having their lower ends secured thereto, a cushioned seat disposed on the frame and connected to the upper ends of the coil springs, a plurality of thrust members located under the sheet, flexible straps connected to each thrust member and extending through ie sheet upwardly to the side bars of the frame, and tension connections between the straps and the side bars of the frame arranged to maintain the sheet normally above the bottom level of the frame.

3. The combination with an open frame comprising a plurality of members arranged in angular relation to each other, a flexible fabric secured to the lower sides of all of the members, thin flexible form conforming metal bands disposed under' the frame and fabric, means connecting certain end portions of the metal bands to the underside of the frame, thrust plates connected to said metal bands, and engaging the underside of the fabric, springs connected at their upper ends to the sides of the frame, and means connected to the lower ends of the springs and extending through the fabric and connected to the thrust plates to sustain the metal bands and the fabric against sagging under a load imposed on the fabric; said fabric being equipped with coil springs seated thereon and a padded seat being disposed on said coil springs.

4. A spring hook for upholstered seats, consisting of a bracket plate attachable to a seat frame and provided with a struck out lug formed with an inclined slot to receive the end of a spring, whereby the spring will be drawn by pressure thereon against the bracket plate and will be prevented from accidentally disengaging from the bracket plate.

5. The combination with a frame having angularly disposed sides connected to each other, a exible fabric disposed under the frame and having its marginal edges secured directly to the sides of the frame to bridge the space between the frame sides form shaping thin flexible tension bands extending under the sheet, means connecting a part of the ends of the bands to the frame and springs connecting the remaining ends of the bands to the frame, said springs extending above the sheet and connected through the sheet to the bands.

6. The combination with a frame having side bars, a exible fabric sheet attached to the bottom side of the frame to bridge the space bounded by the frame, coil springs disposedover the fabric sheet and having their lower ends secured thereto, means connecting the upper ends of the springs to the frame, a cushion seat disposed on the frame and connected to the upper ends of the springs, a plurality of thrust members disposed againstthe underside of the sheet near one side of said frame, tension means secured to said frame and supporting said thrust members, and

the frame and connected thereto against the underside of the frame.

7. The combination set forth in claim 6, including additional thrust members disposed on the opposite side of the sheet, means `for supporting said additional thrust members under .spring tension from the frame above the sheet,

and flexibletstraps extending to the opposite side of the frame and connected thereto;

LOUIS i GOODMAN. 

